The city of Beaconsfield, Que., has ruled a retractable enclosure over a local residential pool does not comply with its bylaws and must be removed immediately.

The 1.8-m (6-ft) high telescopic structure is made of transparent polycarbonate panels that can be locked in place when the pool is not in use, preventing access for improved safety. The city claims the cover is so large it qualifies as a structure, only certain types of which are allowed in residential backyards.

According to The Montreal Gazette, a city inspector determined the cover fell into the same category as temporary driveway enclosures, which are prohibited in Beaconsfield. The homeowner was asked to remove the structure or be fined; thus far, it remains in place.

The enclosure was installed to improve safety around the pool, a topic that has been in the Quebec news lately, with the recent drafting of the provincial Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act. Although it does not specifically refer to pool enclosures, the legislation is designed to prevent children from accessing all types of residential pools.